Passing the Torch

[Deisel 38]

I'm about to end what will be a 25 year career in the Marine Corps. On my way out the door, I'm doing everything possible to teach those coming after me some of the hard lessons I've learned. My personal mission is to leave the institution a better place than I found it (in my own very small way).

I try to seize every opportunity to teach and pass on what I've learned. More importantly, I try to encourage the next generation to pursue education and obtain certifications and degrees. Attend every school available, even if there is no formal credit associated with it - 'learn everything' is my motto.

The reason for my post is that I've only seen this sparingly in skydiving. But before anyone takes offense, I'm probably not talking about you. Not those of you that take the time to teach the noobs. Not those that explain exit order, fall rate, packing, and the countless other subjects required on the DZ. Lord knows, that without these type of jumpers i probably never would have made it this far. I'm talking about our more 'experienced' comrades.

For all the examiners, course directors, DZOs, master riggers, CFI-Is, etc. I'd like to ask you a question;
What are you doing to train your replacements?

I'm not talking about just teaching the entry level courses that earn you a few extra bucks. What about the in-depth, behind the scenes, after hours mentoring in the nuts and bolts of skydiving operations that is required to replace you. What will you take to your grave? Hopefully nothing. Are you helping to bring along the next generation or are you in the way? Are you hanging on until the bitter end for your own selfish reasons?

Hopefully you have taken someone under your wing, sacrificed a couple of extra dollars, and invested time in a successor. You owe it to the sport. You owe it to yourself. Hell - you owe it to me. Yes, you owe me.

USPA has gone all in on growing the sport. Its our job to ensure that theres still a sport left to grow. How are we we doing?

D

The brave may not live forever, but the timid never live at all.

[mjosparky 4]

Thank you for your service. Semper Fi.

You can only teach those that want to learn. “Knowledge is power. A smart man takes every opportunity to gain more.”

Sparky
Doc Golf 2/3 1967/68

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[riggerrob 643]

I devote the bulk of my time to training young riggers on the "must knows" of modern skydiving gear.
Much of what I know about military-surplus parachutes will die with me.
Much of what I know about first-generation civilian pilot emergency parachutes (Security, Pioneer, Handbury, acid mesh, etc.) will die with me.

[flyboy6554 3]

Good post and Semper Fi.....good luck in your next career and hope to jump with you someday......

Dave Ternes
USMC F4 pilot
VMFA-235, 1979-1983
D-12846

[propblast 0]

riggerrob

I devote the bulk of my time to training young riggers on the "must knows" of modern skydiving gear.
Much of what I know about military-surplus parachutes will die with me.
Much of what I know about first-generation civilian pilot emergency parachutes (Security, Pioneer, Handbury, acid mesh, etc.) will die with me.

Which is to bad. I have a heavy interest in all that gear. I find it fascinating and by more damn manuals on old parachutes than anything else.

Propblast